This article by Holliday, Statler, and Flanders (2007) presents a compelling argument for cultivating “practical wisdom” in ICT leaders, offering valuable insights for both senior project managers and HR professionals. In today’s complex and rapidly evolving technological landscape, leaders need more than just technical expertise; they need the wisdom to navigate ambiguity, balance competing demands, and make sound judgments in the face of uncertainty.

Leadership– The contemporary challenge of leadership has been framed in terms of dealing authentically, ethically, and effectively with the complexity and uncertainty of organizational life.

Practical Wisdom– This article draws on research in the fields of psychology and philosophy (traced back to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics) to introduce practical wisdom as a new way to conceptualize leadership practice. The authors suggest that  practically wise leaders can optimally strike a golden mean and balance the contradictory performance imperatives of ethics and effectiveness in a complex and uncertain world.

The key proposition of the article is that serious play can enable the development of practical wisdom among organizational leaders.

Serious Play refers to specific process techniques that provide participants with an opportunity to “play” with elements of their “serious” work as leaders. The techniques provide participants:

–a playful mode of experience enabling safe encounters with the ambiguity and complexity of their own organizational life

–a three dimensional medium of expression to emphasize the perceptual, tactile and aesthetic dimensions

–an occasion to experiment with new social frames for interaction with diverse others and to develop ethical norms

–an opportunity to cultivate their adaptive potential as leaders through the inherent ambiguity of play.

The authors substantiate their hypotheses with a successful case illustration of developing leaders in an academic context through serious play. In the case study, participants were asked to develop a model of leadership, by using LEGO blocks and explain the same to others through storytelling and using their physical constructions as points of reference. One model showed a LEGO person getting ready to jump of a cliff, representing the risks leaders have to take.Conclusion: By juxtaposing play with the serious business of leadership development, this process provides the consultant with a tool with a number of unique capabilities. Communication is enhanced among individuals with diverse backgrounds by the capacity to move easily back and forth between concrete representations and abstract concepts. Because each participant begins with his or her own experiences, the process is grounded in authenticity, with significant power to elicit meaningful discussion about the real-life dilemmas challenging leaders today

Why this matters to Senior ICT Project Managers:

• Enhanced Decision-Making: Practically wise leaders are better equipped to make informed decisions that consider not only technical feasibility but also ethical implications, stakeholder needs, and long-term consequences. This leads to more successful project outcomes and minimizes risks.
• Improved Stakeholder Management: Cultivating practical wisdom enables leaders to effectively navigate the complex web of relationships within and outside the organization. This fosters collaboration, builds trust, and ensures alignment with strategic objectives.
• Adaptability and Resilience: In the face of constant change and disruption, practically wise leaders can adapt more effectively, respond to challenges with greater resilience, and guide their teams through turbulent times.

Why this matters to HR Professionals:

• Targeted Leadership Development: The concept of practical wisdom provides a valuable framework for designing and implementing leadership development programs specifically tailored to the needs of ICT professionals.
• Innovative Training Methods: “Serious play” offers a unique and engaging approach to leadership development. HR professionals can leverage these techniques to create immersive learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Identifying and Developing Potential: By recognizing the qualities associated with practical wisdom, HR professionals can identify and nurture potential leaders who possess the capacity to thrive in complex ICT environments.

Key Takeaways for both Senior ICT Project Managers and HR Professionals:

• Embrace “Serious Play”: Integrate “serious play” activities, like simulations, scenario-based exercises, and reflective discussions, into leadership development programs to cultivate practical wisdom.
• Foster a Culture of Learning: Encourage continuous learning and development by providing opportunities for ICT leaders to engage in reflective practice, receive feedback, and learn from their experiences.
• Promote Ethical Leadership: Emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making and social responsibility in leadership development initiatives.

By collaborating to cultivate practical wisdom in ICT leaders, senior project managers and HR professionals can build a strong foundation for successful project delivery, innovation, and organizational growth in the ever-evolving world of technology.